Talk:Auto detailing

Non-encyclopedic

This article in its current form borders on a how-to piece.RCHM 18:44, 18 July 2007 (UTC)

I agree. It still is. —Ben FrantzDale (talk) 02:06, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

It's not perfectly encyclopedic yet, but it is very informative to those of us who knew absolutely nothing about detailing a car. Some info about its history or popular techniques would be great. Tell someone (talk) 09:06, 13 January 2009 (UTC)

Good idea. I'm going to start working on this article, adding lots of information. 76.1.70.61 (talk) 21:19, 7 April 2013 (UTC)

Some thoughts on making this article less how-to and more encyclopedic I have are:

Washing

1. Expanding on the different types of washing methods in prep for automotive detailing: Hose and Bucket a traditional method for home enthusiasts and professional detailers and the introduction of Foaming Cannons a recent development in 2010 to prevent wash induced scratches as a touchless wash concept that improves on the efficiency of the initial car wash step.
2. The introduction of consumer pressure washers for home use and car washing. Changing the way vehicles could be washed by enthusiast at home or by professional detailers.
3. Automated Car Wash Tunnels and where they fit in the picture of automotive detailing. Car wash
4. Microfiber towels advancement in technology and drying techniques.

Decontamination

Could mention claying and the use of clay bars vs synthetic clay.

Polishing

Could include information on hand polishing vs machine polishing.

Other exterior items:

Headlight restoration

Wheel & Tire

Engine Bay

Interior detailing concepts

1. Upholstery: Carpet and fabric, leather renewal
2. Dash and console detailing

Including facts on resell value. Detailing your vehicle before you sell can increase it's resale value.

To the editors, let me know if this suggestion checks out and I would be happy to do further research and provide more robust details and citations.

It should be noted I have a COI, but I am interested in improving information about auto detailing and related articles.

James at Griots Garage (talk) 19:22, 9 March 2026 (UTC)

Sentence Rework Needed

I would help correct this sentence, but it is missing necessary clues to its meaning; "Products include but are not limited to detergents, degreasers, acid free, detail clay, waxes, polishes, and a variety of applicators, brushes and special plush drying towels." Questions include "Are products the same as tools?" and "What is 'acid free'?". - KitchM (talk) 03:19, 10 October 2013 (UTC)

Any idea why they call it "detailing" instead of valeting?

In what way is cleaning something "detailing" it? We should have an etymology. DavidFarmbrough (talk) 17:37, 31 July 2019 (UTC)

"Detailing" is the American word for it. I don't know the etymology, but like its British equivalent "valeting" it's a fairly recent coining — both words date from the 1970s. Neither one is particularly logical: a valet might press your trousers, brush lint from your shirt, or assist you in putting on your coat, but he would never be responsible for cleaning and polishing your carriage or your automobile. --ABehrens (talk) 23:49, 10 October 2021 (UTC)

Why does "car wax" redirect here?

Waxing a car may be a part of detailing a vehicle, but waxing a car and the products and techniques involved, and the pros and cons of waxing, should all be in its own article with a link from the auto detailing article to it. Currently, this article uses the word "wax" twice but doesn't explain what that is or what it involves or why it should or shouldn't be done. 2601:245:C100:5E5C:C55:9AD6:2FAF:A3EF (talk) 15:35, 10 May 2022 (UTC)

Wiki Education assignment: Research, Writing, and the Production of Knowledge

This article was the subject of a Wiki Education Foundation-supported course assignment, between 2 June 2025 and 26 July 2025. Further details are available on the course page. Student editor(s): Luiso1998 (article contribs).

— Assignment last updated by Luiso1998 (talk) 05:29, 22 June 2025 (UTC)