Recently, one of our readers asked us about car valeting. He became interested to know how different it is from car detailing because, according to him, whenever he typed the word “car valeting” in Google’s search box, “car detailing” showed in the results.
There’s no real difference between the two. It’s just that car detailing is used in American English while car valeting is used in British English. However, each has evolved to describe different levels of vehicle cleaning. How can you distinguish one from the other? Read on and find out.
Is Car Valeting Different from Car Detailing?
At first glance, one might say that both terms mean one and the same. We looked at the definition of both in online dictionaries. We found out that valeting means “to clean the bodywork and interior of a car as a professional service”. On the other hand, Dictionary.com defines detailing as “the process of thoroughly cleaning the interior and exterior of a vehicle and doing minor repairs to improve its appearance”.
In the US, car detailing is the more popular term. But in the UK, the two terms are being used together or interchangeably. There are companies that offer car valeting and detailing. Others offer either car valeting or car detailing. And there are others that offer full valeting.
Now let’s take a look at what’s included in each service.
Car Valeting Service
- Wheel clean
- Full exterior wash and wax
- Power rinse
- Interior vacuum
- Interior polish
Full Valeting Service
- Full exterior wash and dry
- Tar spots/tree sap removal
- Waxing
- Full interior vacuum
- Full interior carpet shampoo
- Leather seats cleaning
- Plastics, dashboard, chrome cleaning and buffing
- Headlining cleaning
- Tyre and trim cleaning and dressing
- Windows and glass cleaning and buffing
Car Detailing Service
Full car detailing is very similar to car valeting but with the addition of the following services:
- Paint care
- Chassis and wheels
- Headlights, taillights and exterior trim
- Interior detailing
- Engine bay cleaning
- Indoor air purification
- Interior steam cleaning
As you can see, car detailing is the most meticulous when it comes to cleaning services. This is why auto detailing prices are higher. But if you take into account the speed of the service, quality of materials, tools and equipment, and, most importantly, the skills of detailing technicians, then that cost is justified.
But make sure you choose the right service provider. It must offer superior detailing, not just basic services. Check the quality of the products. It would be better if the company uses green car wash supplies. This way, you’ll have a clean car without harming its paint and the environment. How reputable is this provider? You can check online reviews or ask family, neighbors and friends who use the company’s services.
In Conclusion
We hope this post helps you determine the difference between car detailing and car valeting. You can further check out the benefits of mobile car detailing and schedule an appointment with us to have your car professionally detailed.
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