 | Gary Potts is the owner and operator of Professional Automotive Detailing. Gary was born and raised in Wichita where he graduated from Butler County Community College with an associate degree in business. He has been in the automotive industry for past 24 years, and has owned his businesses since 1998. If you have any questions call him at (316) 871-1025 or stop by at 3027 S. Broadway; pottsprodetail@yahoo.com |
Automotive Service & Repair
2011-01-01 10:18:00
Do-it-yourself or professional car detailing?
Question: I have a new car and want to keep it looking new. Should I pay a detailing service, or take the challenge upon myself?
Answer: Keeping your car looking its best can be a lot of work and often times a car detail service is a far cheaper alternative both in money and time. While many automotive enthusiasts prefer the sense of bonding and personal care that comes with detailing their own car, this is not always an option for many owners. If you are trying to decide whether or not you should do it yourself or pay a service to do it for you, looking over some of the following points might help you to narrow down which decision is best for you.
1. Compare the cost
To properly detail a car, a wide variety of products are required. From polishes and waxes, to clay bars, glazes and detailing solutions, the list can get quite large depending on how thorough a job you feel is required. These products can cost a great deal of money, especially when buying them all at once, so for someone interested in a thorough detailing, the cost of a professional detailer may not seem nearly as bad. If you are only detailing one car on an occasional basis, you may be better off simply paying for a service.
2. Quality
Properly detailing a car is something that takes practice and familiarity with common detailing tools and products. For someone inexperienced in detailing work, quality results may take some practice. By paying a reputable service to do the work for you, you’re paying for a great deal of experience, and receiving a reliable car detail job in return. Many services offer satisfaction guaranteed services, so you always know you’re getting your money’s worth.
3. Risks
Tools such as random orbital polishers have the potential to cause a great deal of damage to your car’s paint if used improperly. If you are unsure of how to use any of the common detailing tools, paying someone experienced in their proper use may be a better alternative than learning how to use them on your own car.
4. Environment
Many of the products used in detailing are designed to work in a cool, dust free environment away from direct sunlight. If you do not have a garage or carport, or you live in a particularly dusty or hot area, you may get far better results paying someone with a more suitable detailing location.
5. Time
Detailing is such a labor intensive job. It can be a lot of work and can take many hours to do properly. If you are not in good physical shape or have any injuries or conditions that prevent prolonged standing and bending, detailing may not be something you can do yourself without a great deal of discomfort and exertion.
Whether you do the work yourself, or pay a service to do the work for you, having your car properly detailed can extend the life of your vehicle and improve its luster for years to come. If you care about your car, regardless of the method chosen, it will be money well spent.
