For many car owners in Fort Myers, deep cleaning their vehicles to a showroom shine is a task they'd prefer not to do. Others make it a huge part of car ownership. In either case, you can choose to hire a professional car detailing service or do it yourself.

With inflation eating away at people's budgets, it has never been more important for them to make smart decisions about what they spend their money on. These expenditures include professional car detailing, a service that many car owners now consider a luxury instead of a necessity.

While giving your car a professional valet finish on a budget might be tempting, there are several downsides to taking a DIY approach. Here's the difference between professional auto detailing and taking a DIY approach.

Cost

While DIY vehicle detailing involves no labor costs, the initial investment might be huge when buying the products and materials needed. However, the average cost of DIY car detailing in Fort Myers is cheaper than a professional detailer would charge.

On the flip side, professional auto detailers in Fort Myers may charge a higher price for high-end detailing.

• Basic car wash - includes interior vacuuming and exterior hand car wash.
• Premium wash - includes basic wash plus waxing and clay bar.
• Deluxe wash - includes premium wash plus ceramic coatings and polishing.

Time Commitment

With DIY detailing, it's hard to estimate the time it will take to complete the task. However, DIY detailing might take a lot of time as it involves driving your car to the wash box, cleaning it, and driving it home. As a beginner, you'll also spend a lot of time learning how to detail your car correctly.

Professional detailing is ideal for time-cautious car owners who don't have the luxury of doing trial and error. Your detailing technician will tell you the time it will take to complete the job. Avoid contractors that promise quick detailing, as it takes 4-5 hours for a standard detailing service that includes basic exterior and interior cleaning.

Tools, Products & Expertise

While DIY detailing comes at an affordable price, you need to buy different tools and products to finish the job, unlike hiring a professional to wash your car. You'll need a microfiber car wash mitt, detailing brushes, pump foam sprayer, microfiber cloth, soapy water, car shampoo, and glass cleaner. Experts can also use a polishing compound, ceramic coating, polishing machine, and other specialized tools.

Pros of Professional Auto Detailing

• Professional detailing increases your vehicle's resale value
• It helps you save money and time in the long run
• No need to have detailing expertise, tools, and cleaning products
• Protects your car's exterior elements

Cons of Professional Detailing

• Proper detailing may feature a hefty price tag.

Pros of DIY Vehicle Detailing

• DIY detailing is affordable
• It makes frequent detailing easy
• It extends your car's lifespan

Cons of a DIY Vehicle Detailing

• The detailing chemical is harsh and can affect your health or vehicle
• It requires a lot of time to learn how to detail a vehicle properly
• It would help if you had the right microfiber towel and other tools