For those who spend a great deal of time behind the wheel, a car can be more than a mode of transportation -- it can simultaneously serve as your office and kitchen. As a result, it's often not long after a light cleaning that you find yourself shuffling through papers on the passenger seat or reaching through old soda cans to find your wallet. With this kind of regular wear and tear, you may wonder whether it's worth the investment in a professional detailing if your vehicle will quickly revert to its old condition. At the same time, you may not want to invest the effort and up-front cost of detailing your car yourself. Read on to learn more about some of the advantages of having a professional detail your vehicle, as well as a few situations in which you may be better off with the DIY method. 

When is it worthwhile to have your auto professionally detailed?

Although auto detailing doesn't require any special education or even training, those who do it for a living have developed shortcuts and best practices that can allow them to detail your vehicle in a more thorough manner much faster than you'd be able to do it yourself. An auto detailer (such as one from Deluxe Detail & Window Tint) may also pick up on issues that you might miss -- when you're exposed to the inside of your car on a nearly daily basis, you often begin to stop seeing certain imperfections.

One of the most underrated aspects of having one's auto detailed by a professional involves the use of protective sealants that can help keep your car looking and smelling clean for weeks (or even months) to come. Before a detailing, you may find that your console smudges or shows fingerprints easily, or your cloth seats start to look dingy after just a few days. By applying waxes and fabric guards to the interior of your car, a detailer can help dirt, liquid, and oils to simply roll off rather than rubbing in, allowing you to enjoy the feeling of a neat vehicle for weeks. 

When should you detail your auto yourself?

If your budget is tight enough that you're having trouble paying other auto-related costs (like repairs or fuel) or even buying groceries, investing the $50 or more it can cost to have your car detailed may not be a priority. However, there are some things you can do to help improve the cleaning you're able to do, as well as extend the longevity of your detailing job. Your primary concern should be investing in the right cleaning products. For example, while the purchase of a carpet shampooer can total far more than the cost of a detail, you should be able to rent a shampooer for the day at a lower cost, allowing you to thoroughly clean your vehicle's seats and carpet rather than simply wipe up surface stains.  

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