What is the difference between Valeting & Detailing?

Are you confused about the difference between car valeting and detailing? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are uncertain what sets these two services apart, but it’s actually quite simple – one is used in American English while the other is used in British English. While there are some distinctions between them, they both involve cleaning a vehicle to enhance its appearance. Read on to find out more about how valeting and detailing differ from each other!

How is car valeting different from car detailing?

Car valeting and car detailing have some similarities, but they are not the same. Car valeting is a service that involves a thorough cleaning of the exterior and interior of a vehicle. This type of service typically includes washing, waxing, vacuuming, polishing, window cleaning and even repair work such as paint touch-ups or minor repairs. Valeters often use specialised products to treat different surfaces, like leather or vinyl, in order to keep them looking their best. On the other hand, car detailing is a service which usually focuses on cleaning every area inside and outside of the vehicle with special attention paid to small details. This may include using steam cleaners for carpets and upholstery as well as clay bars for removing contaminants from painted surfaces before waxing them. In addition to deep cleaning processes like these, detailers also specialize in restoring neglected vehicles by performing scratch removal techniques or applying protective coatings onto the paintwork. The end result should be an immaculate finish that will last much longer than any achieved through simple valeting services alone!

Here’s a breakdown of what is typically included within each service;

Car Valeting Services

Pressure wash the vehicle exterior
Clean Wheels
Vacuum vehicle interior
Remove any rubbish
Wet & vac shampoo seats, mats & carpets
Leather seats clean & fed
Interior dashboard, clocks & dials cleaned
Tar & glue spot removal on paintwork
Windows & mirrors cleaned
Wax polish vehicle exterior

Additional specialist valeting services could also include seasonal valets and end-of-lease vehicle return valets.

Car Detailing Services

A full car detailing service is intended to return your vehicle back to a near-showroom condition. Car detailing can be very similar to car valeting but would typically include these additional services below;

Paint correction
Headlight restoration
Wax or ceramic paintwork services
Engine bay detail
Clay bar treatment
Convertible soft-top cleaning & re-proofing
Upholstery protection
Deep wheel cleaning
Light scratch removal

Although not specifically car detailing, additional specialist services could include Interior Odour removal, Interior material & leather protection, Interior mould removal and Interior virus & bacteria elimination.

In conclusion, car valeting and detailing are two closely related services used to enhance a vehicle’s appearance. While they both involve cleaning the exterior and interior of a vehicle, car valeting is more focused on basic cleaning processes while detailing includes deep cleaning techniques that restore neglected vehicles back to their original condition. The end result should be an immaculate finish for your vehicle that will last much longer than any achieved through simple valeting alone! Knowing the difference between these two services can help you make the right decision when it comes time to clean up your car and have it look its best.

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David Groves

We can definitely feel Spring is on the way with much milder mornings. Winter really hasn't really shown its face apart from the recent cold spell when the water onboard froze and the snow stopped us from working for a few days. Spring is much needed, now we can see the outside world waking up, especially when driving along the country lanes and the sun is out.
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Wait! Before you go...

Have you booked your Spring valet?

The vehicle has come through a harsh wet winter, and we are here to refresh your vehicle to remove the damp muddy feet marks and any other debris that have been collected over the winter months and prepare for the busy Summer. At this time, you need to protect your vehicle from tree sap, bugs, bird droppings and UV light.