How Often Should You Fully Detail Your Car?

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So, your car is looking pretty good, huh? Well, think again! It might be time to give your ride a proper detailing. You see, regular car washes just won't cut it when maintaining that showroom shine.

In this article, we'll cover these vital topics:

  • DIY Methods vs. Professional Car Detailing Services
  • Recommended Time Frames for Full Car Detailing
  • Benefits of Full Detailing For Your Car

Trust us, once you see the results, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Get ready to turn heads on the road!

DIY Methods vs. Professional Car Detailing Services

A professional complete car detailing service offers several benefits over DIY methods. Professionals have experience and knowledge in using the right products and techniques to clean and protect your car's interior surfaces effectively. 

They also have access to specialized tools and equipment to achieve better results. They can remove deep-seated dirt and stains, restore faded paint, and rejuvenate the interior.

Moreover, professional detailing services often include additional services such as leather conditioning, stain removal, and odor elimination, ensuring thorough cleaning of your car's interior.

However, if you prefer a DIY approach, there are tips and tricks you can follow. 

  1. Start by gathering the right supplies, such as microfiber towels, brushes, and high-quality cleaning products. 
  2. Take everything out before detailing.
  3. Take your time and work systematically, starting from the top of the vehicle and working your way down. 
  4. Pay attention to the details, like cleaning the nooks and crannies, and remember to protect and condition surfaces as needed. 

Regular professional or DIY car detailing ensures that your vehicle always looks its best and remains in top condition.

 Recommended Time Frames for Full Car Detailing

  • Seasonal Detailing: Many car owners detail their cars seasonally, typically four times a year. This schedule allows for cleaning and protection against changing weather conditions and environmental factors.
  • Twice a Year: If you're looking for a balance between regular maintenance and cost-effectiveness, consider detailing your car twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. This approach helps address the effects of both winter and summer on your vehicle.
  • Quarterly Detailing: For those who want to consistently maintain their car's appearance, detailing your car every three months is a good option. This schedule can help prevent the buildup of contaminants and maintain a pristine finish year-round.
  • Monthly Maintenance: Enthusiasts or those frequently driving in challenging conditions may opt for monthly detailing. This frequent care ensures that your car looks its best and is well-protected.
  • As-Needed Detailing: Some car owners prefer to schedule detailing based on the specific condition of their vehicle. If your car is filthy, has stains, or requires particular attention, it's wise to detail it as needed.
  • Professional Advice: Consult a professional detailer who can assess your car's condition and recommend a suitable detailing schedule based on your driving habits, climate, and the specific care your vehicle requires.

Benefits of Full Detailing For Your Car

If your car's exterior is covered in dirt and grime, but the interior smells fresh and clean, then consider a complete detailing. The benefits of regular car detailing are numerous. Not only does it enhance the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle, but it also helps to protect the paint and prevent rust. 

Additionally, thorough detailing can remove stubborn stains, eliminate odors, and improve the overall value of your vehicle. 

So, don't overlook the importance of regular car detailing if you want your car to look and feel its best.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the frequency of full car detailing varies based on individual preferences and driving conditions. Striking a balance between maintaining your car's appearance and budget is crucial. 

Regular detailing, seasonal or quarterly, ensures your vehicle remains clean, protected, and looks its best. Discover the ultimate in auto detailing. Contact us at (612) 889-5604

Verified Google Reviews

Will was AMAZING! My car needed full interior detailing from rain getting inside this winter, and it hadn’t been fully cleaned in years. He scheduled me ASAP and was super thorough when going over the process. He picked up the car from me and brought it back quicker than expected so I didn’t have to go anywhere, and it looked new on the inside. It had a new car scent and all the seats and floors that were damaged from rain/dirt were totally clean. I’m so happy with the services and feel like it’s a different car now - I would recommend him to anyone in SD :) !! Thank you so much!!

Adriana Minicozzi

Link to Google Review ↗
Had an amazing experience with San Diego Select Detailing. They did a fantastic and thorough job of detailing my new car after it was transported from a dealership in another state, and also detailed two other vehicles at our household (one of which had laundry detergent spilled in the trunk). Each car came out looking fantastic. They come fully equipped to do a professional level detail job at the location of your choosing, which was very convenient. Can't wait to use their services again.

Audrey Hoel

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I had Hyundai Elantra detailed before gifting it to my sister. Will and Ed were able to accommodate me same day which was really nice of them. The fact that they come to you is also very convenient.The car looked as good as the day I bought it from the dealership. My sister was so stoked. She was beaming the whole three hours we were handling insurance and DMV stuff

Andrew Dyson

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We had an amazing experience getting our car detailed. They come directly to your home and bring all of the necessary supplies! Will was incredibly professional and responsive when arranging the time and figuring out details. Pedro came right on time and did a beautiful and meticulous job detailing the inside and outside of our car. It looks brand new and smells amazing. We will definitely be using their services again. Highly recommend!

Micaela Mariner

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San Diego Select did a full interior/exterior detail on my Lexus and I couldn't be happier with the result. My car looks and smells brand new. Incredible customer service - even received a follow up text the next day making sure I was satisfied with how everything looked. It's convenient - they come to you so you don't have to wait anywhere and pricing is extremely fair for the service. Would highly recommend.

Anna C

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great auto detailer in San Diego. If you’re looking to get your car detailed in San Diego, these guys are the best

Nate S

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I would 100% use them again! After I got sick in the car and we couldn’t get the smell out, they worked wonders and got us in same day!

Meghan Mazer

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First time getting my car detailed ever and I am so unbelievably happy with the outcome that I wish I would have started with them a long time ago!!! Will was so sweet and friendly over the phone, he quickly gained my trust:) My car looks and smells brand new! I will be back in 6 months to upkeep. Seriously these guys are so good:)

Justine Meadows

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Really kind! Did an amazing job with interior and exterior.

Siena Gross

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I've worked with Will and his team to fully detail my Tesla and Harley Davidson  and have monthly washes set up.  Will and his team are wonderful and always do a great job!

Charlie Redden

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Detail My Car?

Perfection & Protection.

Frustrated with everything that the car wash leaves behind?
Does your paint not shine like it used to?
In love with your car and want to preserve your investment for the long term?

That is why we are here. Not only do we leave you with flawless results, but we make sure that your paint, leather, and other materials are protected for years to come. We will treat your car (and you) like one of our own.

Do I need a "Shampoo Treatment"?

The shampoo and hot water extraction is the best possible care for your FABRIC seats.

We will bathe your seats in thick foam shampoo, agitate it with a fabric brush attachment on a drill, and then extract all the grime, dirt, stains and contaminant from the seats with hot water at 210ºF. If your seats need a refresh, this is as good as it gets. Because the service takes 45 minutes on average, and only a small percent of vehicles need it we charge extra for it. Don't worry - its only $50 extra. Totally worth it.

Will My Scratch "Buff Out"?

Do you have any little scrapes and scratches that bother you?

We can handle it.. to an extent. We are polishing experts - so if the scratch isn't too deep, we can get it out. Ever heard of "The Fingernail Test", this is a great way to know if your scratches are fixable. If you feel the scratch will your fingernail and you can feel a groove in the paint, it it probably a little bit too deep ~in the sections where the groove is~

What is a "Clay Bar"?

A clay bar is exactly what it sounds like, a little ball of malleable puddy.

This is used in the decontamination phase of the detail to prepare your paint for protection. Clay Bar Detailing is essential for preparing your vehicle's paint for protection by ensuring it is free of contaminants.

Every exterior detail has 3 phases: 1. Wash 2. Decontaminate 3. Protect. The decontamination stage is responsible for removing from the paint everything that doesn't come off from the wash.

Remember when you bought your car and the paint was smooth to the touch? That is the goal of this stage. Remove all the crusty junk that is stuck to you paint. This way, when we apply sealant (protection) to your paint it will adhere to the paint itself, rather than the junk sitting on the surface. This will give the sealant its longest possible useful life.

Why "Wax" My Car?

For the same reason that you get an oil change. Engines are expensive to replace (8-15K) so we take good care of them. So is your paint - the average paint job costing around $5,000. If you don't protect your paint with some type of ceramic, wax, or sealant, your paint WILL fail.

In San Diego, our biggest enemy is the sun, or the salt if you live near the beach. Next time you are in a big parking lot, look around at the hoods of the vehicles. You will notice around 1/6 vehicles have completely delaminated clear coat.

That means the paint looks like dead skin on the surface and you could peel it off with you fingers. Not pretty. There is a simple solution to ensure your vehicle never ends up like this. Exterior Detailing. Bonus points for a ceramic coating with is the best protection possible.