According to Kelley Blue Book, a well-maintained car can fetch up to 20% more during resale than a poorly maintained one. The appearance of your car diminishes over time due to daily wear and tear, both inside and out. A simple car wash may be enough to clean the exterior of the vehicle. But a car detailing will help thoroughly clean and restore the exterior and interior of the vehicle.
Exposure to natural elements will take a toll on your car’s appearance. The exterior of the vehicle will show signs of wear and tear. Factors like sunlight, pollution, rain, salt, and dirt can affect the vehicle. Environmental elements can also corrode a car’s exterior and cause paint damage. Rain and moisture can remove protective wax, leading to rust. Salt on roads can cause corrosion and rust spots. The interior of the vehicle can also collect dirt, allergens, debris, and other contaminants over time.
In this blog, we will explore how detailing impacts resale value.
What is Car Detailing?
What is car detailing? Car detailing is a comprehensive cleaning, restoration, and finishing process. It is a process that involves both the exterior and interior of a vehicle. Unlike a simple car wash, car detailing involves a deep cleaning and restoration process. Car detailing involves exterior detailing and interior detailing.
Exterior detailing of the car involves washing, waxing, polishing, and paint correction. There are several other add-ons for exterior car detailing. Interior detailing involves shampooing seats, vacuuming, leather conditioning, and odour removal. Car detailing goes a step further than cleaning and restores the vehicle to its prime condition. It also involves protecting the car from further damage. A regular car wash may take 15 minutes, but a full car detailing can take hours.
Why Resale Value Matters?
The market for used vehicles is very competitive. Many people prefer to invest in a used car that is in good condition rather than buying a new car. Dealerships can fetch a good price for a well-maintained vehicle. A well-maintained car will be more appealing to dealerships. The appearance of the vehicle can directly influence the trade-in offer they make. Dealerships will offer a better price if your car appears to be in mint condition and can be sold quickly.
The resale value is also important when upgrading to a new model. Your current vehicle becomes a financial asset when you upgrade, and it saves you money. The higher the resale value of the car, the less you have to pay out of your pocket. It gives you more leverage when it’s time to level up your ride.
Private sales can fetch you more money than a dealership trade-in. But buyers will examine everything from the paint to the interior of the car. In online marketplaces, first impressions are made through photos and viewings. Car detailing offers your vehicle a well-maintained and fresh look. A detailed car stands out and can sell fast with less negotiating.
How Car Detailing Improves Resale Value
Let’s dive deep into how detailing impacts the resale value.
First Impressions Matter
The first point of assessment for a buyer is the vehicle’s appearance. A car with a shiny, polished exterior and a clean, spotless interior speaks of being loved and well-maintained. Clean vehicles often appraise 5 to 15% higher. Car detailing offers your vehicle the fresh-out-of-the-showroom look. Buyers gravitate toward vehicles that appear well-maintained. Such vehicles can fetch a good price at used car markets.
Paint Protection
Exterior car detailing involves paint restoration and protection. It includes the removal of swirl marks, rust, light scratches, and other flaws. Waxing and paint protection can enhance the vehicle’s paint. Protective wax and ceramic coatings shield the exterior against UV rays, oxidation, and rust. Wax also helps absorb pollutants. Sealants are synthetic options that ensure long-term shine with minimal maintenance.
Interior Restoration
The interior of the car matters as much as the exterior. The interior of the vehicle collects dust, dirt, and allergens over time. It retains odours, pet fur, and dander.
Car detailing of the interior involves shampooing and deep cleaning the seats, polishing the dashboards, and removing odours in the cabin.
Engine Bay Detailing
The engine bay is essentially the heart of your car. Engine Bay detailing is not part of regular car detailing. It is an add-on service. It is optional, but it sends a powerful message. A clean engine bay is perceived as a testament to efficient mechanical care. Engine bay detailing can be advantageous to detect leaks early, clear debris, and keep pests away.
Market Psychology
A car that looks good will sell well. Most people buy with their eyes first. Car detailing can make your vehicle look newer than its actual model year. It is all in the perception.
When to Get Your Car Detailed Before Selling
If you are wondering about the ideal time for car detailing, here’s a breakdown for you:
Timing
It is advisable to get your car detailed after major repairs or inspections. The best time for car detailing is one to two weeks before listing your vehicle for sale.
Frequency
If you plan to sell your vehicle in the future, car detailing is recommended every four to six months for maintenance. Once a year, opt for a deep car detailing.
Ensure that the car is detailed before taking pictures to upload and before in-person inspections to make a good first impression.
DIY vs Professional Detailing
DIY car detailing is an alternative to professional detailing. DIY car detailing can be a cheaper and more rewarding alternative to professional car detailing. However, it can also be time-consuming. You also run the risk of using the wrong products, which can damage the paint or upholstery. DIY car detailing cannot be as efficient as professional car detailing. Professional car detailers use specialised equipment to get the job done. It offers a high-quality finish that is unbeatable. The experience and knowledge of professional detailers is unparalleled.
What to Look for in a Professional Car Detailer
If you were to Google “car detailing near me”, you would be presented with a list of detailers near you. How do you choose? The key factors to look out for are the reviews and the reputation. Read the online reviews and check out the customer testimonials. Visit the car detailing shop and enquire about the service packages. Ensure that the detailer uses high-quality products. Verify their certification and experience in the field.
Final Steps to Maximise Resale Value
To maximise the resale value of your vehicle, consider the following bonus tips: replace worn-out floor mats, remove personal items, and organise your service records.
Last Detail
Car detailing is not just a cosmetic upgrade. It is an investment that can save money in the long run. It is an investment that pays off when it’s time to sell the vehicle. If you are looking for professional car detailers with the best services in Toronto, check out Colibri Car Wrap and Detailing. In addition to car detailing, they also offer services such as car branding, paint protection film, and car wraps, among others.
