Van Transformation | Car Detailing in Athens, GA

ABOUT THE SERVICE | Car detailing in Athens, GA

The vast majority of our car customers come from Athens, GA and the surrounding areas. This family van had a lot of issues that I see often, making it a great case study to explain more about our car detailing process.

Car detailing a car is a meticulous process that involves cleaning, restoring, and protecting both the interior and exterior surfaces to ensure a vehicle looks its best. The process typically begins with a thorough wash to remove dirt and grime, followed by decontamination to eliminate any embedded particles. Next comes polishing to restore shine and remove imperfections, such as swirl marks or light scratches. Interior car detailing involves cleaning and conditioning all surfaces, including vacuuming carpets, scrubbing upholstery, and treating leather. Finally, the car is protected with wax or sealant to maintain its appearance and shield it from environmental damage. Overall, detailing a car requires time, attention to detail, and quality products to achieve professional results that enhance the vehicle's overall aesthetics and value.

The customer in question was a local artist and the van was used to transport paint and completed works as well as perform regular family duties. The exterior was covered in a thick layer of dust, masking the true color of the vehicle. Paint splatters and stickers adorned the windows, hinting at the creative journeys this family has taken. The trunk, when opened, revealed a treasure trove of art supplies in disarray - canvases stacked haphazardly, brushes nestled among crumpled papers, and stray droplets of paint creating an impromptu masterpiece on the carpeted floor. Despite the outward appearance of neglect, the car exuded a sense of artistic chaos, a mobile studio on wheels waiting to bring forth new creations into the world. The customer's unique approach to transporting their tools of creativity was a testament to the symbiotic relationship between art and life.

EXTERIOR | Car detailing in Athens, GA

Exterior car detailing is an essential maintenance task to keep your vehicle looking good and protected from the elements. It involves washing the car's exterior body, windows, wheels, and tires to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants that can accumulate over time. Starting with a gentle pre-rinse to loosen dirt, followed by a thorough hand wash using a specialized car wash soap and microfiber mitt, ensures a scratch-free clean. Paying attention to detail by cleaning the wheels with a separate brush and applying a protectant to the tires can enhance the overall appearance. Finally, drying the car thoroughly with high velocity air helps prevent water spots and ensures any remaining leaf debris is removed from all the panel gaps. Regular exterior car cleaning not only maintains the vehicle's aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its longevity by protecting the paint and surfaces from corrosion and damage.

To remove heavy tree sap and debris from the vehicles roof, we start by washing the affected area with a high PH shampoo to remove as much build up as possible. Then, we apply a generous amount of rubbing alcohol or specialized sap remover onto a clean cloth and allow to dwell. After a few seconds, the sap will usually start to soften and become removable with light pressure. We want to avoid intense scrubbing that could damage the paint. Once the sap is lifted, we wash the area again with a regular car wash soap and then dry it thoroughly. Finally, we apply a coat of wax to protect the paint and restore its shine. Regular maintenance and prompt removal of tree sap can help preserve the car's paint job in the long run.

Engine Bay

When detailing a vehicles engine bay, it is important to take precautions to protect sensitive components from water and cleaning agents. We avoid or cover electrical components, air intake systems, and the distributor with plastic bags to prevent water ingress. We then use a degreaser to loosen dirt and grease, and then agitate with a brush. This process is followed by a thorough rinse. We generally do not dry or dress engine bays, but will certainly do so upon request. Vehicles that are coming up for sale, or about to receive heavy maintenance really can benefit from a good engine cleaning. Regularly cleaning the engine bay not only enhances the car's appearance but also helps prevent corrosion and prolongs the life of the components.

Headlight Restoration

Not every vehicle we see needs headlight restoration, but it is a service I often recommend to enhance both appearance and safety. It is probably the fastest way to make an older automobile look 10 years newer! The change is almost always night/day—no pun intended! The suns UV rays break down the protective clearcoat on the exterior of plastic headlight first, making them foggy. Once the clearcoat has failed, the plastic itself begins to oxidize and become rough to the touch. Lastly fissures will form inside lens rendering it permanently scarred. The process for correcting the situation is not difficult if caught in time. Sometimes all that is needed is a light compounding and polish. However sanding is sometimes required to fix more seriously afflicted lenses. We generally apply a protective sealant to the plastic after the buffing process to ensure longevity of the restoration.

INTERIOR | Car detailing in Athens, GA

Vacuuming the carpet in your car is probably the fastest way to make the interior feel better. By removing dust, dirt, and debris from the seats, floor mats, and crevices, you can create a fresh and inviting environment for your daily commute or road trips. Using a vacuum with various attachments allows us to reach tight spaces like between seats and under pedals, ensuring a thorough cleaning. Regular vacuuming not only enhances the appearance of your car but also helps eliminate allergens and odors, promoting a healthier and more pleasant driving experience. We see a TON of pet hair in our business and we strive to remove 99% of it. It can take hours of vacuuming, blowing, and brushing in some cases to completely remove embedded pet hair.

To remove stains from car carpet, we begin by vacuuming the area to remove any loose dirt or debris. Next, we apply a carpet stain remover or a mixture of mild detergent and water to the stained area. We gently scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth, being careful not to saturate the carpet. We want to blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb the stain and moisture. If the carpets are heavily stained we may use a shampoo machine to increase efficiency and ensure more uniform level of cleanliness. Imparting water where there is a heavy biological load, such as in this case, is not always the best course of action.

When it comes to removing paint from car carpet, it's essential to proceed with caution to avoid damaging the carpet fibers. We start by scraping off as much of the dried paint as possible using a plastic scraper or a butter knife. Then, we apply a small amount of a mild detergent or carpet cleaner to the affected area and gently blot with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing the paint, as this can spread it further into the carpet. For stubborn stains, we use a commercial paint remover specifically designed for carpets. Once the paint is lifted, we rinse the area with water extract the remaining moisture with a wet/dry vacuum. Paint, wax, and petroleum products and the most difficult things to remove from carpets—seldomly can the situation be completely remediated.

Cleaning in all the nooks and crevices with a variety of brushes is a key step in a serious interior car detail. It ensures that all the dust and small debris that builds up in tight areas is removed. If we simply take a microfiber towel and wipe down the interior, that would be acceptable for a maintenance level cleaning—but for something like this van, we really needed to dive a little deeper. Foam swabs are used in the vents. Toothpicks are required for digging out dried coffee in the center console. The window glass is usually cleaned twice! We have special towels, and two different glass cleaners! It’s every detailers least favorite activity and even we struggle to leave your windows spotless.

THE FINAL RESULT | Car detailing in Athens, GA

Auto detailing can be a daunting task, requiring a significant amount of time, effort, and attention to detail. Whether the car is covered in dust, mud, grime, each presents its unique set of challenges for the detailer. From the exterior to the interior, every nook and cranny must be thoroughly cleaned to restore the car to its former glory. Let's explore the various challenges one may encounter when tasked with detailing a dirty car.

Time and Effort

Detailing a dirty car is a time-consuming process that demands patience and perseverance. From pre-treating stains to meticulously cleaning each surface, the detailer must invest the necessary time and effort to achieve professional results. Rushing through the detailing process may lead to subpar outcomes and potential damage to the car's surfaces.

Conclusion

Car detailing comes with its fair share of challenges, from tackling exterior grime to addressing interior stains and odors. Success in restoring a dirty car to its original pristine condition depends on the detailer's skills, knowledge, and attention to detail. By overcoming these challenges with care and precision, a detailer can transform even the dirtiest of cars into shining examples of automotive cleanliness.

Customer Reaction

Sarah couldn't contain her excitement as she got into her van after picking it up from Hunt for Details. The interior looked like new, with every surface sparkling and every crevice free of debris. The exterior was gleaming in the sunlight, reflecting her smile back at her. The team at Hunt for Details had paid close attention to every detail, from the upholstery to the rims, exceeding her expectations. As she drove off, the fresh scent lingering in the air, she knew she had made the right choice. Sarah couldn't wait to show off her shiny old van to her friends and family, grateful for the meticulous work done by Hunt for Details! Today was a good day.