Many people are attracted to car detailing jobs and careers for the potential of high earnings and for the freedom many experience form having their own business.

While car detailing jobs vary from location, geography and the experience you bring to the table, most require developing skills that truly allow you to improve the appearance of the car. This can mean an understanding of how to properly wash and dry, to advance use of chemicals, polishes and waxes.

Most agree the trade is similar to an artist or craftsman developing a skill or craft often requiring an apprentice period to learn the ins and outs of the skill as well as how the business of car and auto detailing works.

Many who are interested can begin their careers working with professional detailing services. These companies often provide outsourced detailing services to automobile dealerships. These companies provide “make ready” services whereby pre-owned and new cars are prep’d for the dealers lot.

The list of requirements can range from simply removing travel protection (such as plastics and paper mats) to full details that include vacuuming, washing, waxing, wheel protection, and engine compartment cleaning.

Advanced services provided to dealers can also include headlight restoration, ozone cleaning, interior steam cleaning, and dent and paint repair. It is also common for dealers to provide car detailing services as an added service to its customers. Most often these are done in conjunction with servicing, collision, or repair services. The amount and type of services are commonly worked out between the detailing service and the dealer.

While not the most glamorous, detailer jobs can also be found at upper-end car washes. While many of us prefer just to have our cars washed, wiped down and vacuumed, a high margin detail is usually a customer option. For some this may be a good start if you are interested in car detailing, though the pay may not be as lucrative as if you work with a professional detailing company that generally pays on a commission or performance basis.

A third alternative is to start a mobile detailing company. Costs of entry are not too high, but there is lots of competition. Another downside is you are often left to developing skills on your own – not to mention the time, cost and effort needed for promoting your service.

Bottom line, if you are looking for a car detailing job, choose a professional detail service where you can learn the ropes, get experience, and have an opportunity to learn from the ground up. While entry-level positions may only pay $15,000 – $18,000, senior detailers can as much as $80,000.

Car detailing is the extremely thorough cleaning, polishing and waxing of a car, both inside and out, to produce a show-quality level of detail. It is big in America where it is called auto detailing but it is catching on in the UK.

Car detailing is essential if you are planning to show your car. However, even if you are not taking your vehicle to a show it is still a worthwhile activity if you are planning to sell your car or if you just like it to look its best.

When the exterior of the car is being detailed, the paint, chrome, wheels, trim, windows and tyres are all thoroughly cleaned and shined. Everything needs to be cleaned, polished and protected. Car detailing products are available for all of the processes – from specialist detergents, waxes and cloths to detail clay.

For the exterior, mechanical polishers are also available for the process of correcting, to produce a top-quality polish. A very thin layer of clear coat will be removed to get rid of fine scratches and swirls.

Clay is used to clean dirt such as bugs and tar from the clear coat. These will not come off with weekly washing. The clay is gently moved across the car as it picks up all of the dirt, leaving a smooth finish.

The waxes are the one of the most expensive products in the detailing process but they protect the car and make the fantastic finish that you achieve with the polishing last a lot longer.

The interior detailing involves cleaning the dash, seats, windows and panels. If possible, the seats are removed to allow greater access. It is best to start with a thorough vacuum to remove the worst of the dirt and the finer cleaning is done with brushes, cotton buds and upholstery cleaners.

Engine detailing is also possible and involves the use of detergents and de-greasers to spruce up under the bonnet.

Detailing a car can be done by the owner or a specialist company can be used. Given the amount of time it will take to do it is obviously far cheaper if you can do it yourself.

Trusted products should be used and they can easily be found online. You will find car detailing forums where people can help you out and recommend techniques and products and if you find a great new product you can share it with the community.

Compared with the price of a car re-spray, detailing is good value for money and helps preserve the value of your car.

A good day’s detailing will leave your car with a stunning looking finish and in pristine condition. You will be able to see vivid reflections in all of the surfaces, the paint will be glass-smooth, the leather will have an even matt finish and the glaze and wax combination will have deepened and enriched the shine. Your car will never have looked so good…

Top ten winter cars that can help you get through the upcoming sleet and snow may surprise you. If you are someone that drives in snowy winter conditions you already know the importance of having a vehicle that can get you through the weather safely.

In fact, your very life can depend on the car that gets you through the snow.

I grew up and learned to drive in Minnesota and I know the importance of having a vehicle that can get your through the deep snow. The car you drive through in-climate weather determines whether you arrive at your destination or get stuck for hours on end.

It’s no fun to be stuck in the cold wintry weather so let’s review the top 10 winter cars:

Suzuki Sx4

This crossover costs around $17,000. This all-wheel drive and its 4 cylinder engine will hold 5 passengers. Because of the 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) function, this vehicle will carry you safely through the snowy winters.

Kia Sportage

This crossover SUV runs around $18,500. Here you have a reasonable inexpensive all-wheel drive that helps hold traction. The Sportage has heated front seats to warm you up during the winters as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel. This SUV carries 5 passengers.

Ford Fusion AWD

This 4 door all-wheel drive will set you back about $20,000. The all-wheel drive works well on slippery roadways. It boasts a 6 speed transmission and 18″ aluminum wheels and high performance tires as well as agile handling.

Subaru Impreza

Here is a 4 door hatchback which will cost around $17,500. It has a 4 cylinder Subaru Box engine with symmetrical all-wheel drive. Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control helps to keep this vehicle square on the ground through rough, snowy weather.

Mazda CX7

This sporty looking crossover will cost you around $21,900. It has 5 speed automatic transmissions with 161 horsepower and front wheel drive. In addition it has Dynamic Stability Control to help the vehicle stay solid on the roadway.

BMW 328ix

This 4 door sedan will run around $36,600. With BMW you get one of the most comfortable rides with the one of the safest structures in the auto industry. Brake drying and brake stand-by features added to Dynamic Traction Control will keep this baby safe on the road.

Subaru Forester XT

This premium SUV costs about $27,095. With its turbo charged Subaru Boxer engine has 224 horsepower. In addition it has 8.9 ground clearances which helps get through the snowy conditions more easily.

Acura MDX

With around $42,930 you can own this luxury SUV. It has a V-TEC V-6 engine with 300 horsepower and comfortable 7 passenger seating. Its super handling all-wheel drive and performance breaking will help get you through any weather conditions.

Mercedes E-Class Sedan

This 4-door sedan begins at $50,490. It holds a direct injected V-6 engine and twin turbo V-8 makes this car both smooth and green-smart. The suspension boasts of a more comfortable ride as well as adjusts the damping in accordance to the road making this sedan safe for winter conditions.

Audi A6 4.2

For starting at around $50,575 you can own this classy car. This car has direct injection and super charging that allows the engine to maximize full power at almost any speed. It has an all-wheel drive system self-locking center differential to allow the car to hug the road, even in unfavorable weather.