You may find yourself taking your car for granted. Not only does it help to keep you out of the harsh weather and get you to your destination safely, but it saves you from having to walk!
If your car looks dirty and dingy, it could be time for a little TLC. There’s a difference between washing and detailing, so it’s important to pick what’s best for your needs.
If you’re not sure what the difference is when it comes to a car wash vs. detailing, be sure to continue reading to help you get your vehicle to look like it’s fresh off the lot.
What Is a Wash?
A wash is one of the most basic ways to get your car cleaned. However, this only takes care of the exterior of your vehicle.
Typically, a car wash happens in a facility where your vehicle is on a track and sent through machines spraying water, soap, and scrubbing your car clean. A wash is efficient, and you don’t have to get your hands dirty!
However, you don’t have to rely on a facility or others to clean your vehicle. You can also wash a car by hand. Though it is more labor-intensive, a DIY wash can save you money, as you’ll only need to purchase car-safe soap.
What Is Detailing?
While a car wash can get the exterior of your car cleaned, the interior may be suffering a big. If you find a buildup of grime, dirt, dust, and crumbs littering your car, detailing is the option for you.
Car detailing is the act of meticulously cleaning the interior of your vehicle. This cleaning includes the carpet, seats, dashboard, hardware, and glass.
While there are professional options for this, you can also achieve the best car interior by detailing the vehicle yourself. You can find a car detailing guide online to help you get through the basics.
You can also detail areas of the exterior. While a wash removes the visible dirt, detailing can revive the surface of your car. This includes buffing and waxing the body instead of washing with soap and water.
Which Should You Choose?
When it comes time to get your car cleaned, you may be stuck between simply washing your car or getting it detailed. In general, a car doesn’t need to be detailed as frequently as it can use a wash.
A car detailing can be performed every one or two years, depending on who rides in your car. If you have young children and pets, you may benefit from a detailing once a year, while others can go every two years between cleanings.
However, you’ll want to wash a car regularly. For most, this is every two weeks. There are other factors that influence this, such as where you reside, weather conditions, the time of year, and where you drive.
Car Wash vs. Detailing: How to Pick What’s Right
Though trying to navigate all of the different terms when it comes to getting your car in prime condition can be confusing, understanding the difference between a wash and a detail is essential.
Remember, keeping your car in great shape not only mechanically, but cosmetically, can help keep your resale value high.
If you found this guide to the difference between a car wash vs. detailing, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. There, you’ll find more great auto tips and tricks to help you ride in style.