You’ve found the perfect person for the perfect date. The reservation is set, you’ve got your best outfit on, you’re doused in cologne, and you’re picking them up at 7 p.m. sharp.
But there are fast food bags on the floor, there’s a dent on the passenger door, and a mysterious odor doesn’t seem to want to go away. What do you think the chances are of you landing that coveted second date?
Slim. Very slim.
Today, we’re going to take a look at nine reasons why you need to get a full car detail and how it will improve your dating life.
First Impressions Really Are Important
There’s some debate about how important first impressions are.
Even if we suffer through a bad interview or a bad first date, we always hope people are willing to give us a second chance. And maybe a second chance is all we need to show others exactly who we really are.
According to Stanford researchers, though, when it comes to romance, you know whether or not the date is going well in only FOUR minutes.
That’s right; as long as it takes to listen through a single song, your date knows whether or not there’s going to be a second date. It goes to show just how important first impressions can be, especially when you’re talking about personal relationships.
So, you’d better be putting your best foot forward. Sure, a good haircut, a nice pair of shoes, and some shining conversation will make a difference, but have you thought about transportation?
A messy or damaged car is unsightly and will give off some bad vibes. It may show someone that you don’t pay enough attention to little details or don’t take care of problems quickly enough.
There are lots of options for do-it-yourself fixes that can help get the job done, but auto detailing can really make a big difference. Let’s take a look at what that might entail.
What Is Car Detail?
Auto detailing is a lot more than pulling out some soap and sponges and giving your car a little shine. While a nice wash and wax might be part of it, it’s more about the bigger picture.
A good quality detail is all about making your beat up and used vehicle looking like you’re pulling it straight off the lot all over again. You need to pay attention to both the inside and out, and the small details make all the difference.
Exterior Detailing
People may say, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” but to be honest, that’s kind of wishful thinking. The reality is that we do judge books by covers.
Covers are our gateway to what’s inside. After all, if we don’t have a title, an example image, or a synopsis to go off of, why would we even read in the first place?
Whether what’s inside surprises us or not, the cover gives us an idea of what to expect. The same thing applies to your vehicle, and it’s why the exterior is so important.
When you roll up to your date in a car that’s caked in mud, has a hairline scratch from someone who keyed your car, or even has a fading paint job, it doesn’t inspire confidence.
Exterior car detailing usually involves a few important steps: wash and dry, clay rub, polish, and sealant (and/or wax).
Wash and Dry
While you could go to the gas station around the corner and use their drive-thru washer, a wash and dry when you get your car detailed is infinitely better.
You get to experience a very hands-on approach to care when it comes to not only cleaning your car but even using clay for drying. Some detailers will use clay bars to remove a lot of streaks and stains that get missed from typical drying methods.
Polish
Polishing your car is all about bringing back that original shine. No matter how careful you are, your car’s paint job is going to wear down from everyday elements like the weather.
Your once sparkling paint job will inevitably start to look dull, matted, and pale. Polishing really brings the shine back and can even help if cracks have started to develop.
Sealant
Sealant (and wax) is the final touch to give your car even extra shine and also help that shine to last longer. This can give you relief knowing that the detail will last longer and you won’t have to worry about it for a while.
Bodyshop repairs are another common process that can go hand-in-hand with detailing. Scratches, cracks, peels, and dents, are unsightly and will only get worse in time.
Take advantage of these common repairs when you get a full car detail so you get the whole effect.
Interior Detailing
The exterior may be like the book cover, but the interior is like the pages.
Sure, your car looks nice, but does it feel nice? Will your date actually enjoy riding with you?
Interior detailing may involve a number of things, including:
- Vacuuming
- Upholstery care
- Wiping
- Fragrance check
A thorough vacuuming should help with loose dirt and debris that gets trapped inside from your shoes, fast food, and so on. Upholstery care goes the extra mile by giving your seats and floor material a vigorous wash and scrub.
After wiping down and cleaning off other surfaces, such as the dashboard and windows, your car detailer can finally focus on any lingering odors. If you’re a fan of that fresh scent when you ride a brand new car at a dealership, you’ll appreciate the attention to detail with this step.
Could Your Car Help You Score the Second Date?
In the modern world, dating is hard enough. Technology keeps us more connected than ever, yet still, meeting people is tough and statistics prove that.
Ultimately, your engaging conversation and bright smile should be what helps you win in the end, but a thorough car detail will certainly help. A clean car – both inside and out – shows you care and that you pay attention to the little things.
It’s the sign of someone who deserves a chance. If you need more help and advice on keeping your car looking fresh, check out this guide on washing and waxing!
